“We must stand against Hinduphobia”, US Congressman Sanford Bishop gave a strong message while addressing the Indian American community. He also hailed the landmark resolution passed by his state Georgia, which formally recognises anti-Hindu hate and targeted attacks in the penal code of the state. He also reiterated for more vigilance and unity against spiking cases of anti-Hindu bias, to which the Indian American community are increasingly being victims.
In his address, Congressman Sanford Bishop strongly condemned religious bigotry. He also highlighted how his home state Georgia is spearheading and leading the efforts in curbing hindu hate crimes and targeted attacks in the United States. He drew immense applause from the Indian American community, as he said, “We must stand against Hinduphobia”.
“We must stand against Hinduphobia. My state of Georgia became the first U.S. state to pass a resolution condemning anti-Hindu hate,” says U.S. U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop to applause from Indian-Americans pic.twitter.com/jsjhjLBWrn
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Celebrate the contributions of the Indian American community; Do not spread hate
During his address, US Congressman Sanford Bishop also acknowledged the immense contributions of the Indian American community to the country’s economic growth. He said that such contributions must be recognised, celebrated and valued, instead of spreading hate and violence. He asserted that the fight against Hinduphobia goes hand-in-hand with recognising and creating awareness about the immense value the diaspora brings to the United States. This strong and firm message from the US Congressman throws a spotlight on the hurdles encountered by the Hindu community in the United States, who are repeatedly prone to hate crimes and targeted violence.
In recent years, Hindus are being victims of verbal abuse where radicals throw derogatory language, targeted attacks and even bullying on social media platforms. Temples and Hindu places of worship are being vandalised. The Indian American community is asked to leave the country, despite being the highly skilled labour force of the United States and rendering immense contributions to the American economy.
Georgia’s historic bill recognising Hinduphobia
Georgia is the first American state to formally recognise Hinduphobia in its state penal code in 2025. The historic bill was an impact of the consistent effort of The Coalition of Hindus of North America(CoHNA). They spearheaded the movement to raise awareness against growing hinduphobia and hate crimes across the United States. According to the resolution passed by Georgia, the legislation empowers law enforcement and state agencies to account for Hinduphobia while documenting and responding to incidents of bias and discrimination.
“Senate Bill 375 is not only a response to rising incidents of anti-Hindu hate, but also an affirmation that our community belongs, contributes and deserves equal protection under the law”, said CoHNA while speaking about the landmark legislation.
